Bennington Lake Today - Hot but Birdy

We started our walk early today, but not early enough - it was HOT by the time we finished.  The highlight of the walk was a RED-EYED VIREO on the west side of the trail just down from the parking lot.  Birds were generally very actively feeding and there were lots of them - CEDAR WAXWINGS, BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, WESTERN WOOD PEEWEES, YELLOW WARBLERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, ROBINS and FINCHES flew back and forth in the trees all around the lake.  There were WESTERN KINGBIRDS on the road leading to the parking lot and EASTERN KINGBIRDS on the east side of the trail.  Three GREAT HORNED OWLS were being harassed by the ROBINS and CHICKADEES at the south end of the lake.  There was a female MALLARD with seven very young chicks - the first we have seen at the lake this summer.  A GREATER YELLOWLEGS, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER and three KILLDEER were the only shorebirds seen.  SWALLOWS and SWIFTS swirled around over the lake.  There are lots of birds at the lake.  My recommendation would be to go early, find a shady spot and wait for the birds to come to you.  The south side of the lake just past the dam is quite good.  Also, the lower trail from the parking lot where the tall shady trees grow is another good spot.   Ginger